Our Favorite Instagram-Worthy Outdoor Spots in Philly

If you’re looking to get out of the house AND update your social feeds, we’ve got you covered.

Our Favorite Instagram-Worthy Outdoor Spots in Philly

As we enter this season of warmer weather and later sunsets, it can be a great time to get outside … and a good opportunity to refresh your profile pic.

If you’re looking to get out of your home — and possibly snap some photos to share with your friends while you’re at it — we’ve got you covered. These are some of the City Cast Philly team’s top local spots for pretty outdoor photo ops. (Click the name of each place to see its location on Google Maps!)

Wissahickon Valley Park

As the greenery returns, your hikes in this gem of Northwest Philly can double as personal photoshoots.

A bridge surrounded by green leaves in Wissahickon Valley Park.
The Wissahickon is a perfect place for a hike — why not make it into a photoshoot, too? (Abby Fritz/City Cast Philly)

The Magnolia Garden in Independence National Historic Park

Spring vibes abound when the magnolia trees bloom in this cute Old City garden. Per the National Park Service, the trees usually bloom in mid-April — though I’ve spotted their pink petals in late March once before.

Behind the Art Museum

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with snapping a photo on Eakins Oval or the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but next time you’re in the area, try making your way to the northwest side of the building to take a picture with the Fairmount Water Works and West Philly in the background.

Washington Avenue Pier

Next time you’re on the Delaware River Trail, try visiting this serene, somewhat tucked-away South Philly spot for excellent river views. There’s also a cool piece of public art called “Land Buoy” — a spiral staircase tribute to the immigrants who arrived in Philly via this pier.

A man standing on the top of a spiral staircase outdoor art installation.
Climb up the spiral staircase overlooking the Delaware. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Need I say more? Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic work feels like it’s made to be photographed.

Outside Fisher Fine Arts Library

Stop by the University of Pennsylvania’s campus for a cute photo op outside this red, Gothic-style library designed by Philly’s own Frank Furness.

South Broad Street

Embrace the city’s urban core and its stunning architecture by taking the essential Broad Street median shot a few blocks down from City Hall. It’s a common photo backdrop for a reason!

A view of City Hall from South Broad Street in Philadelphia, with an illustration of a stick figure on the median. There's also an arrow pointing to the figure with the text "This could be you!"
Who doesn’t love a Broad Street median shot? (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)